A car accident may occur when you least expect it. No matter how safe or experienced a driver may be, they may be at risk when negligent drivers are on the road. It has been reported that there are nearly 45,000 people injured in car accidents each year across the United States. If you have been injured in a car accident on Long Island, you may be owed compensation for your injuries.
The Long Island car accident attorneys of the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP are dedicated to helping clients who have been injured in a car accident. After a car accident occurs, you may be left disoriented and wondering what your next steps should be. It is crucial that you know what to do after a car accident.
Important Steps to Take After a Long Island Car Accident
The moments following a car accident can be overwhelming as you check yourself and any passengers for severe injuries. Once you can safely exit the vehicle, there are important steps that you should take to ensure your safety and well-being.
Call Emergency Services
After an accident, it is essential that the police are called to the scene. Not only will they file an official accident report, but they can also assist you if the other driver involved is problematic.
Gather Evidence
Take photos and videos of the accident scene, any visible injuries you have suffered, and damage to your property.
Get Witness Statements
If any witnesses approach you following the accident, ask if they would feel comfortable providing you with a brief statement of what they saw and their contact information.
Give Your Statement
It is important that you give your version of events to the attending officer so that your statement can be recorded in the accident report.
Get the Other Driver’s Information
Get the name, contact information, and insurance information of the other driver involved in the accident. When speaking with them, it is essential that you do not discuss who was at fault for the crash.
Seek Medical Attention
You should always seek the help of a medical professional following a car accident. Even if you feel fine, you may have suffered an injury that you are not feeling symptoms of yet. Additionally, it is vital that you keep any record of the medical treatment you receive as evidence for your claim.
Once you have begun to heal from any injuries you may have suffered due to the accident. The next step you should take is to contact a Long Island car accident lawyer. A car accident lawyer may be able to help you build a strong car accident injury claim so that you can be compensated for the injuries and losses you have suffered at the hands of the at-fault party.
What Damages Can You Collect After a Long Island Car Accident?
After you suffer injuries and losses from a car accident, you deserve to be compensated. The damages you may be eligible to collect following a Long Island car accident include:
- Medical expenses: You should be compensated for any medical bills you have acquired as a result of your injuries relating to the car accident. This may include the cost of surgeries or expensive medications.
- Lost wages: If your injuries have prevented you from being able to work, you may be owed compensation for the pay you have lost as a result.
- Lost earning potential: Some car accident injuries may result in chronic or permanent injuries or disabilities. In this case, you should be compensated for all future earnings you may lose due to the injuries suffered from the car accident.
- Property damage: You should be compensated for the cost to repair or replace any damaged property.
- Pain and suffering: You should receive compensation for any physical or psychological pain that the accident caused you.
If you are unsure of what damages you may be eligible to collect, a Long Island car accident lawyer may be able to help.
Contact a Long Island Car Accident Lawyer for More Information
After being injured in a car accident, you may be left wondering what your next steps should be. To get help with the New York claims process, contact a trusted Long Island car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
At the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP, our car accident lawyers have over 100 years of combined experience assisting clients with their claims as they pursue compensation for the losses they have suffered. We are proud to provide the dedicated representation that our clients deserve. To schedule a free consultation, contact us here or call (866) 924-1787.
